OPE daily

 
An arborist was brought in Tuesday by the UC Berkeley Police to cut supply ropes and dismantle a wooden platform at the Memorial Stadium oak grove, where tree-sitters have been protesting for more than a year the University’s plans to build an athletic training center where about 100 trees currently stand.

The arborist cut most of the ropes connecting the half-dozen or so platforms the tree-sitters have built in the branches and tree-tops. The arborist was also able to dismantle one of the uninhabited platforms about 60 feet above the ground dropping a bucket of human waste in the process.

“They have made things less safe and less sanitary,” said Erik Eisenberg, 39, a leader of the tree-sitters’ ground crew. “All they’re trying to do is harass and intimidate us.”

The remaining protesters, living on tarp-covered wooden platforms, outfitted with blankets and rudimentary kitchens, immediately began repairing the cut lines, which they use for swinging from tree to tree. The 14 month protest has dwindled down to a hardcore few. While no arrests were made, the police action has enraged the protesters.

The construction is pending a the outcome of a court dispute on whether the $125 million Student Athlete High Performance Center, which sits atop the Hayward Fault, is part of Memorial Stadium or a separate building. If the athletic center is part of the stadium, the project would violate 1972 Alquist-Priolo Act banning new buildings on earthquake faults.

A decision is expected within the next 3 months.